HIDDEN ROAD INITIATIVE
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Team Members
    • History
    • UCSB
    • UCLA
    • UC Berkeley
  • Summer Camps
    • Summer 2020
    • Summer 2019
    • Summer 2018
    • Summer 2017
    • Summer 2016
    • SUMMER 2015
    • Summer 2014
    • Summer 2013
    • Summer 2011
  • Projects
    • Virtual Learning Resources
    • Jrashen Kindergarten
    • School Renovations
    • Tsaghkaber Kindergarten
    • UCLA Toy Drive
    • Heaters & Stoves
    • Computer Classes
    • Sturdy Shoes
    • Winter Coats
  • SCHOLARSHIPS
    • 2020-2021 Scholars
    • 2019-2020 Scholars
    • 2018-2019 Scholars
    • 2017-2018 Scholars
    • 2016-2017 Scholars
  • News & Blog
  • Donate
    • Sponsorships
  • Contact Us
Hidden Road Initiative

News & Blog

Find out what's new at HRI and read what our volunteers have to say about their adventures in Armenia. 

HRI 2018 - Day 5

7/26/2018

1 Comment

 
​Contributor: Colleen Gabrimassihi

I’ve had many days where I’ve wished I could run away - not from the people or my life or the issues I face - but from the routine that we all create from ourselves. I’ve always craved and been curious of how the opposite of my day to day life would make me feel, living in a small town; the neighbors your family, the cashier your cousin, the person driving by your uncle. 


I truly believe that you can change your life’s, routine, and how you feel in a moments notice - if that is where your heart truly lives. But I know that is a paralyzing idea to any sane person, to leave everything and everyone behind to go on your own true journey. 

Living in Los Angeles my whole life this suffocating curiosity led me to find my love of travel; to even for a moment, experience life through a foreign perspective. Following my heart, I knew I wanted to return to my homeland and take out the weeds and plant new roots of my beliefs, perspective, and priorities. 

From the moment I stepped out of the bus as we arrived in Shivanidzor, I knew every belief I had was going to change, grow, and strengthen. As volunteers we are here to help the village and teach the children, but every moment we spend we learn more from the way they greet each other and care for neighbors as if they are siblings (which they actually call their brothers and sisters) than anything a class could ever teach. 

The disruption in my routine, and the new perspective this experience gave me  reaffirmed my confidence that I should always follow the little voice in my head that tells me to chase my curiosity and the unknown.
1 Comment
ALICE MASIHI
8/3/2018 09:14:42 am

Dear Colleen
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. So never lose hope and sit down in vain. Follow your heart and keep making a difference.


Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Archives 

    October 2019
    July 2019
    April 2019
    August 2018
    July 2018
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    July 2016
    June 2016
    April 2016
    November 2015
    July 2015
    May 2015
    January 2015
    October 2014
    July 2014
    April 2014
    April 2013
    March 2013
    December 2012
    October 2012
    August 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    April 2011

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Team Members
    • History
    • UCSB
    • UCLA
    • UC Berkeley
  • Summer Camps
    • Summer 2020
    • Summer 2019
    • Summer 2018
    • Summer 2017
    • Summer 2016
    • SUMMER 2015
    • Summer 2014
    • Summer 2013
    • Summer 2011
  • Projects
    • Virtual Learning Resources
    • Jrashen Kindergarten
    • School Renovations
    • Tsaghkaber Kindergarten
    • UCLA Toy Drive
    • Heaters & Stoves
    • Computer Classes
    • Sturdy Shoes
    • Winter Coats
  • SCHOLARSHIPS
    • 2020-2021 Scholars
    • 2019-2020 Scholars
    • 2018-2019 Scholars
    • 2017-2018 Scholars
    • 2016-2017 Scholars
  • News & Blog
  • Donate
    • Sponsorships
  • Contact Us